Real Estate News Archives - Carmichael CA Realtor| Carmichael Dream Homes| Craig Diez

Fireworks, Food and Fun! Your Ultimate Guide to the 4th and More!

June 30, 2021 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Summer officially kicked off last week just in time for California’s re-opening and you know what that means…events are back on! The Greater Sacramento area is gearing up with an impressive lineup of fun. From Fourth of July festivities and live music events to River Cats games and summer movie nights, we’ve scoured the region to bring you the most up-to-date local happenings and activities in your area. So shake things up this summer by using our below guide before planning your next outing!

Looking for ways to celebrate the Fourth this weekend? Many communities are set to bring back fireworks, food, and fun! Click on the below events to learn more.

July 3-4: Rancho Cordova 4th of July Celebration at Hagen Community Park

July 4: 4th on the Field Remix at Sutter Health Park

July 4: Fourth of July Parade on Vernon Street in Roseville

July 4: Fourth of July After Celebration at Royer Park in Roseville

July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks at The Grounds in Roseville

July 4: Fourth of July Bike Parade and Festival at Arden Park

July 4: Salute the Red, White & Blue Fireworks Spectacular in Elk Grove

July 4: Annual Fourth of July Family Blast at the El Dorado County Fair

July 4: Fourth of July at Lodi Lake

It’s time to indulge in all that Summer has to offer this year. Click on the below links to see what other local events are taking place now through the end of July!

Sacramento:

River Cats Schedule

Sac Republic FC Schedule

July 2nd (And Select Days): Live Music at Crawdads on the River

Now-August 15th (Select Days): Crocker Art Exhibits: Legends from Los Angeles + FREE Sundays

Now-August 28th: Downtown Live

Now-July 31st: Front Street Water Carousel & Waterfront Wheel in Old Sacramento

Every Second Saturday: Dance on the Edge in Old Sacramento

Now-September 12th: UpcyclePop Art Market in Old Sacramento

Select Weekends (Friday-Sunday): Old Sacramento Underground & Time Travel Tours

July 3rd: Sacramento African Marketplace

July 3rd: Sacramento Seafood and Soul Food Festival at Miller Regional Park

July 8th (And Select Days): 2021 Sacramento Shakespeare Festival (Streaming Live)

July 17-18th: Beer & Taco Festival at Cesar Chavez Plaza

July 25th: 3rd Annual Jazz Fest by the River

July 31st: DOCO Makers Market by River City Marketplace

Carmichael:

Now-August 29th (Every Sunday): Carmichael Farmers’ Market

July (Dates TBD): Concerts in the Park

July 4th (Every Sunday): Carmichael Cars and Coffee

Fair Oaks:

July 14th: Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce Progressive Dinner

July 29th (And Select Days): Concerts in the Park

July 30th (And Select Days): Comedy Under the Stars

July 31st (And Select Days): Theatre Under the Stars

Rancho Cordova/Gold River:

Now-July 10th (Week Days): Art at City Hall: Black & White Plus One

July 3rd (Every Saturday): Sunrise Light Rail Station Farmers Market

July 12th (And Select Days): At at City Hall: Abstraction

July 16th: Music at the MACC

Folsom:

Now-August (Thursday Nights): Twilight Concert Series in Historic Folsom

Now-August (Weekends): Weekend Pedestrian Promenade in Historic Folsom

July 9th (And Select Fridays): Summer of Music 2021 at Folsom City Lions Park

July 3rd (Every Saturday): Cars and Coffee Show at Folsom Palladio

July 3rd: Way Out West in Historic Folsom

July 7th (Every Wednesday): Palladio’s Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series

July 2-4th: Folsom Pro Rodeo

July 3rd: First Saturday Art Hop in Historic Folsom

July 3rd: Storybook Time at Sutter Street Theatre

El Dorado Hills:

July 4th (Every Sunday): El Dorado Hills Certified Farmers’ Market

July 8th (Every Thursday): Live on the Boulevard at El Dorado Hills Town Center

Elk Grove:

July 1st (Every Thursday): Neighborhood Market

July 3rd (Every Saturday): Farmers Market

July 3rd: First Saturday Art Reception

July 4th: Elk Grove Run 4 Hunger

July 7th: Food Truck Mania

July 16th: Comedy Under the Stars

Roseville:

July 16th: Friday Flicks at Vernon Street Town Square

July 17th (Every 3rd Saturday): Concerts on the Square at Vernon Street in Roseville

Rocklin:

July 8th (And Select Days): Park Pulse at Johnson-Springview Park

July 17th: Concerts at the Quarry

July 30th: FREE Farmers Markets at Johnson-Springview Park

Wanna get away? One of the many great things about Sacramento is its close proximity to places including Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and the Napa Valley Wine Region. If you’ve found yourself daydreaming about getting out of town during this pandemic, why not treat yourself to a day (or weekend) trip with family, friends, or that special someone?

Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is the perfect escape from the summer heat with its wide array of recreational activities including boating, water sports and hiking in the summer. They also have fantastic restaurants, concert venues, and shopping! Take a look at some of the local events happening now through the end of July by checking out the South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe events calendars.
Napa Valley: What better way to kick off summer than by paying a visit to Napa and enjoying a nice glass of wine, exceptional cuisine and mesmerizing views of vineyards…because “wine not”? Take a ride on the Napa Valley wine train and soak in breathtaking landscapes, soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon, enjoy a culinary experience at one of their many award-winning restaurants, or visit one of their 400+ wineries. Click here for a list of upcoming events and here for lodging accommodations.
San Francisco: San Francisco is back in action and has plenty of events in store this summer! Attend one of their Summer Music Sessions (tickets are limited), watch both the SF Giants and the Oakland A’s in action, or visit one of several museum exhibits. If you’re heading to the Bay for the Fourth, check out this guide for fireworks, concerts, parades, and more.

There’s hope on the horizon for buyers. According to the Sacramento Association of Realtors, while inventory is still down 28.6% from May of last year, we did see a 26% increase in inventory from April to May of this year. So what does that mean for buyers? It appears that with increasing inventory, we will reach a better equilibrium of supply and demand. Check out the latest stats here.

The Sacramento Housing Market Makes a Splash

May 14, 2021 by cdiez Leave a Comment

The Sacramento real estate market continues to make a splash with historically low inventory, high competition, and rising prices. While there’s no denying that our current market favors sellers, this month’s newsletter highlights some ways that buyers can prepare before diving into the real estate pool. We also take a look at data that supports a wave of growing inventory within the next year.

Whether you are planning on buying, selling or both, you may find yourself competing with countless others in this red hot market. However, taking care of the items listed below can help you get the edge you need and ensure smooth sailing ahead.

Patience is key: Let’s face the facts…it’s a tough market for buyers in most price points right now. Some buyers are being rushed to make decisions, which can quickly lead to remorse over paying too much for a home. So our advice? Take your time, be patient, and keep logic in mind when submitting offers. It’s also important not to become over-invested in one home because of the bidding wars taking place in this overheated market. This doesn’t mean you should stop looking however – persistency and patience is key. Be ready to check out available homes as soon as they hit the market and act quickly once you come across the right home.

Find the right real estate agent: This brings us to our next point. Whether this is your first or fifth home purchase, it’s still wise to enlist the help of a buyer’s agent. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything out of pocket, and a good agent will help you by sharing their inside knowledge not only of the neighborhood, but also help establish what’s a good value in your price range. Plus, they’ll arrange showings on your behalf and they may also be able to alert you to red flags you’d otherwise miss while touring properties.

Clean up your credit: Your credit score not only impacts your ability to secure a mortgage at all, but it will also determine the interest rate you’ll pay. If you’re worried about your credit score, start working toward raising it by paying all your bills on time and making sure your balances are low. Check your credit report by contacting the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You’re entitled to a free report from each agency once per year. If you spot an error, having the report amended will boost your score. Pro tip: Speak to an experienced mortgage professional. Sometimes they can advise you on what (and what not) to pay down or off, in order to improve your credit score.

Save for a down payment (and then some!): Being able to put 20% of the purchase price down at your closing isn’t necessary, but it could increase your chance of your offer being accepted. In today’s market, sellers are often looking for the most money down possible. Increasing your down payment could also help you in terms of better rates and overall monthly payments. It can also help you avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Last but not least, it’s wise to save for emergencies because once you’re in your new home you never know what may suddenly need repair.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting pre-approved lets sellers know you’re the real deal. And, it lets you know what you can afford, so you can focus on the right price points and choose the perfect home to go after with confidence. Rather than just getting pre-qualified, which is more like an estimate of what you can borrow, a pre-approval means the loan is much more likely to get through underwriting once you get a home under contract because the lender has already assessed your credit, income, debts, and assets. Plus, if you find yourself competing for a property, being able to tell a seller you’re pre-approved will give you the advantage you need against others who are not. Finding a lender that has the shortest close time is another advantage in today’s hot market. Our preferred lender, Summit Funding is coming out with a 15-day close guaranteed. Contact Summit Funding Senior Loan Officer Chris Stahl at 916.768.8000 to begin the pre-approval process.

Do your due diligence: Think you’ve found an area you like? Check out neighborhoods at different times of day, and be sure to notice traffic patterns. For example, is the home you like on a street that drivers use to dodge traffic on main streets? Will you encounter school drop-off or pick-up congestion that will make getting in or out of your driveway a hassle? Consider all these factors and anything else that may appeal to you, or bother you personally, as you’re driving past potential homes.

While lack of inventory and high competition has made for a challenging market for buyers, get ready, because it looks like things are about to get at least slightly better for people searching for a home. According to data outlined in a recent realtor.com article, about 10 percent of homeowners plan to list their home this year—with another 16 percent planning to list in the next 24 to 36 months. That translates to an additional 1.5 million homes hitting the market—which, while not enough to completely end the historic inventory shortage, is certainly a solid start.

Options for first-time buyers should also improve. More than half of the buyers planning to list their homes this year (58 percent) have homes valued at $350,000 or less—which means more affordable options should be hitting the market soon.

As we take a closer at the Sacramento housing market, we are also seeing a slight increase in active listing inventory according to the Sacramento Association of Realtors – an increase of 9.4 percent from February to Marchand another increase of 9.6 percent from March to April to be exact. While still very competitive, experts suggest that a leveling market is on the horizon.

We are proud supporters of The Sacramento SPCA and we are committed to helping animals find their forever homes. That’s why Diez & Sigg Properties is a returning sponsor for this year’s Doggy Dash Event. This year’s event will once again be a virtual experience. However, just because we won’t be walking side by side, doesn’t mean we can’t still walk together to save more lives!

On June 5th, walk around your neighborhood with your pup, hit a local park or trail, or get creative at home with your pooch. The Sacramento SPCA will be kicking off the walk LIVE on Facebook and you will be able to share your photos, videos and participate in activities throughout the day. You will still see some of their famous Bark in the Park games and contests to participate in right at home! They will be tracking all the fun using the hashtag: #SSPCADASH2021

Ways you Can Contribute: If you would like to contribute to this cause, you can do so by purchasing a Doggy Dash T-shirt as a part of our “pack”. Click here to purchase your shirt. You can also make a donation here.

Enter our raffle to receive a FREE Pet Gift Basket (valued at over $100!)

Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day at Home!

March 16, 2021 by cdiez Leave a Comment

While Saint Patrick’s Day is typically synonymous with parades, festive food and drinks, and large gatherings with friends and family, this year it looks like a quiet holiday at home is on the agenda. Staying in might not be what you had planned, but lucky for us, there are still plenty of ways to safely celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at home. From creative recipes and drinks to fun crafts for the whole family, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the below ideas for inspiration!

Whether you’re relaxing at home alone, celebrating with that special someone, or trying to keep the kiddos entertained, everyone needs to eat. So why not make a festive meal at home? We’ve got you covered with St. Patrick’s Day-inspired dishes that will be sure to impress your St. Paddy’s Day crew.

Bring on the Appetizers: Looking for some tasty appetizers to go with that green pint of Guinness? Check out these mouth-watering dips, bites, and sliders.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders: This ridiculously easy app is taken to the next level with Guinness-braised cabbage.
Hot Reuben Dip: This cheesy spread might be better than the actual sandwich….Learn how to make it here.
Pretzel Dog Beer Cheese Dip: With beer cheese, and homemade pretzels, what’s not to love? Click here to make this crowd-pleasing app.
Arugula Pesto: The striking green shade from the pesto makes this flavorful spread a great appetizer for the occasion!
Irish Nachos: Think nachos but with an Irish twist…This recipe calls for a heaping pile of potato chips, slathered in beer cheese, and topped off with crunchy bacon and fresh chives.
Zucchini Tots: Shredded zucchini makes this dish healthy yet delicious! Try making them in an air fryer for added crunch.
Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Wedges: When in doubt, add bacon. Learn how to make these bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges here.
Irish Pub Cheese Recipe: This creamy cheese dish is loaded with Irish cheddar and pairs well with pretzels or pita chips.
Saint Paddy’s Dill Dip: Serve this delicious dip with raw vegetables or crackers of your choice.

What’s For Dinner?: These Irish-inspired dishes will take your Saint Patrick’s Day celebration to the next level.

Guinness Burgers: These Guinness burgers with Irish cheddar and crisp bacon are a sure crowd-pleaser. Pair with Irish chips for a complete meal.
Colcannon: This staple dish is a mixture of shredded cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlic.
Irish Stew: This comfort d ish features tender lamb, hearty carrots, and potatoes topped off with herb butter.
Soda Bread: Soda bread anyone? Learn how to make this quintessential Irish side here.
Irish Seafood Chowder: This hearty chowder is a delicious combination of smoked and fresh fish in a light creamy broth.
Corned Beef in Beer (Crockpot): Let your crockpot do the work by trying out this tasty Corned Beef in Beer recipe.
Boxty: Similar to latke, Irish boxty is a potato pancake that is prepared by mixing grated potatoes into mashed potatoes before frying like a patty.
Irish C abbage and Bacon: There’s nothing boring about this cabbage dish, which is loaded with bacon, onions, chicken broth, and mustard seeds.
Irish Shephard’s Pie: This layered casserole dish combines ground beef or lamb with buttery mashed potatoes.
Irish Pan Haggerty Potatoes: This dish is loaded with sliced potatoes, bacon, onions, and lots of cheese. Check out the recipe here.

Mix up a Green Drink: Get the party started with these holiday-inspired beers, mixed drinks, and mocktails!

Green Beer: It wouldn’t be Saint Patrick’s Day without green beer. With just a couple drops of green dye, you can make your own. Get the recipe here.
Gaelic Grasshopper: This decadent Irish-cream-infused cocktail is both gorgeous and packed with flavor!
Irish Coffee: Any coffee lovers out there? Celebrate the occasion (and get your coffee fix) with this Spiked Irish Coffee.
Lucky Charms Shots: Try out these “magically delicious” shots with Bailey’s Irish Cream and Lucky Charms!
Shamrock Sour Cocktail: Whiskey sour gets a festive makeover by going green. Learn how to make this cocktail here.
Jameson Jello Shots: Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without jello shots! Try making these Jameson Jello Shots.
Fuzzy Leprechaun: This fruity cocktail is made with peach schnapps, blue Curacao, and vodka.
Lime Sherbert St. Patty’s Day Punch (Non-Alcoholic): This delicious lime sherbert drink packs a punch! Learn how to make it here.
Irish Car Bombs: End the night with a holiday favorite….the classic Irish Car Bomb!

Make a Festive Dessert: Don’t forget the dessert! Consider making one of these decadent treats to celebrate the occasion.

Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies: These mint chocolate pudding cookiesare the perfect way to end your meal. Pair with mint chocolate chip ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Saint Patrick’s Day Chocolate Covered Oreos: Up your Oreo game with these chocolate-dipped Oreos topped with sprinkles.
Irish Chocolate Pots de Creme: Not only is this dessert gorgeous but it’s also “melt in your mouth” amazing… Add two tablespoons of Baileys for that Irish touch.
Irish Blackberry Fool: Sweet lightly stewed berries and vanilla whipped cream and yogurt come together to create this delicious dessert.
Pot O’ Gold Cups: These little brownies prove that you don’t have to go to the end of the rainbow to find the perfect St. Paddy’s Day dessert.
Lucky Charm Eclaires: This recipe swaps your standard chocolate fair for a citrus filling topped with Lucky Charms.
Green Velvet Pops: Forget red velvet — green velvet will be your new favorite rich (and seasonally appropriate) flavor.
Shamrock Shake Cupcakes: This minty cake topped with a fluffy whipped cream mousse is what dreams are made of! Get the full recipe here.
Chocolate Guinness Cake: This silky, smooth chocolate cake has hints of Guinness and is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting…need we say more?
Irish Trifle: This fruit-filled treat is layered with ladyfingers, jello, jam, and fresh whipped cream.

Get Crafty: If you’re home with the kids due to school cancellations, set up a fun craft they can do on their own.

Leprechaun Traps: As seen on Instagram, Leprechaun traps are one of this year’s biggest holiday trends. And most of the designs can be made with materials that you can find around the house. Check out these 6 DIY Leprechaun Traps.
Pot of Gold Mason Jar: Create these adorable Mason Jars filled with chocolate coins and gift them to remind your loved ones that they make you feel lucky each day.
Paper Shamrock Wreath: All you need is some scrap paper to create this cute shamrock wreath.
DIY Tee: Working from home? You can still be festive and wear your green with this adorable Kiss Me I’m Irish shirt.
St. Patrick’s Day Pencil Toppers: Make homework a little more fun with these DIY Pencil Toppers.
Shamrock Coloring Printable: Coloring books are all the rage – and this shamrock printable is no exception. This activity is perfect for both kids and adults.
Fruit Loop Rainbow: This simple rainbow craft is a great way to keep your little ones entertained all afternoon.

As we transitioned into the new year, low mortgage rates and low inventory drove up real estate prices in markets across the country.

But exactly how much did home values increase at the start of 2021? According to Realtor.com, in February 2021 the median list price of homes in Sacramento was $399,500 – trending up 12.5% year-over-year. That means if you purchased a home for $350,000 in February 2020, by February 2021, that home would have increased in value by $43,750, bringing your home’s value to $393,750.

Demand for homes is high and inventory is low, which is driving up home prices—so if you’ve been thinking about selling, now is a great time to list and fetch top dollar for your home.

We’re All In This Together: Your January Newsletter is Here

January 7, 2021 by cdiez Leave a Comment

As we pack away our holiday decorations and kick 2020 to the curb, local businesses are working harder than ever to keep their doors open and remain a part of our community. While businesses continue to fight against closures amidst this continuing pandemic, consider supporting some of your favorite local spots to show them that we are all in this together. This month’s newsletter serves as a guide to highlight different ways that you can safely support your favorite restaurants, breweries, salons, boutiques, and local businesses in the Sacramento area and beyond!

Local Restaurants: With the future of many restaurants still uncertain, your business means more to them now than ever. So show them some love by ordering takeout or delivery at one (or a few) of the below spots. We’ve categorized some of our favorite restaurants by cuisine type and location in case you have a hankering for a fresh sushi roll or tasty burger.

Italian Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Craving authentic Italian? Check out Il Forno Classico, located in Gold River Town Center. This spot is known for its decadent pasta dishes made from scratch, fresh seafood, and hand-tossed pizzas. Check out their online menu here.

Seritellas (Carmichael)

Cafe Italiano (Fair Oaks)

Fabians Italian Bistro & Bar (Fair Oaks)

Cafe Vinoteca (Sacramento)

Paseanos (Sacramento)

Piatti (Sacramento)

Obo’ Italian Table & Bar (Sacramento)

Pizzeria Classico (Folsom)

Visconti’s Ristorante (Folsom)

Vaiano Trattoria (Granite Bay)

Boulevard 41 (El Dorado Hills)

Papa Gianni’s Cameron Park

The Place (Roseville & Placerville)

Il Fornaio (Roseville)

Via Roma Pizzeria Con Cucina (Rocklin)

Mexican/Spanish Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Located in the Carmichael Milagro Centre, Mesa Mercado serves up a variety of fresh and authentic Mexican dishes like their marinated skirt steak and roasted pork tacos, or their chicken stuffed enchiladas. If you’re a fan of guac, don’t forget to order their homemade guacamole and chips appetizer! Check out their to-go menu here.

Carmelita’s (Fair Oaks & Roseville)

Tapa the World (Sacramento)

Zocalo (Sacramento, Roseville & Folsom)

Cantina Alley (Sacramento)

Mas Taco Bar (Sacramento & Folsom)

Centro Cocina (Sacramento)

Alaro Craft Brewery (Sacramento)

Nixtaco (Roseville)

Mezcalito (Rocklin & Folsom)

French Cuisine/Wine Bars:

Business Highlight: The Waterboy is a neighborhood restaurant in Midtown Sacramento that features a seasonal menu, inspired primarily by the beautiful cuisines of northern Italy and southern France. Their takeout menu features winter favorites including chicken pot pie with crostata-style crust, homemade lasagna, and antipasto plates with cured meats, housemade charcuterie, olives, crostini, and more! Pick your favorite pairings here.

Revolution Wines (Sacramento)

The Rind (Sacramento)

Whired Wine (Sacramento)

Brasserie Capitale (Sacramento)

Danielle’s Creperie (Sacramento)

La Provence (Roseville)

Hawks (Roseville)

Celestin’s Restaurant (East Sacramento)

Julian’s Patisserie & Cafe (Folsom)

American/California Inspired Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Located in East Sacramento, Canon offers a seasonal menu with the freshest local ingredients. They focus on shareable plates with favorites including their whole roast chicken, smoked beef cheeks, and fingerling potatoes. They are now offering their full menu online! Order Canon to-go here and enjoy your meal in the comforts of your own home.

Wildwood (Sacramento)

Paragary’s (Sacramento)

Bennett’s Kitchen (Roseville)

Sienna (El Dorado Hills & Roseville)

Milestone (El Dorado Hills)

Hook & Ladder (Sacramento)

Farmhaus (Granite Bay)

Asian-Inspired Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Silver Sake has served up delicious sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine in Carmichael since 2002. For starters, try their mouth-watering lava bites with deep-fried spicy tuna, cream cheese, and habanero tobiko topped with spicy sauce. Looking for something lighter? You can’t go wrong with their fresh sashimi platter and a warm bowl of miso soup. Call in or order online here.

Kru (Sacramento)

Mikunis (Sacramento, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Roseville & Elk Grove)

Miyagi Sushi (Sacramento)

Fats (Folsom & Roseville)

PF Changs (Roseville)

Taiko (Carmichael, Folsom & Natomas)

Hazumi Sushi Bar (Granite Bay)

Umi (Roseville)

Local Breweries: Any beer lovers out there? Similar to restaurants in our area, there are many local breweries that are struggling to keep their doors open. Check out a few breweries that could sure use our support and business! And prepare yourselves for some refreshing beer…

Business Highlight: Tower Brewing in East Sacramento takes pride in offering a variety of beers with 16 rotating taps! They have everything from IPAs and Lagers to Stours and Sours. Order beer for pick-up or delivery (YES they deliver) here.

River City Brewing Company (Carmichael)

Porchlight Brewing (Sacramento)

Fieldwork Brewing Company (Sacramento)

New Glory Craft Brewery (Sacramento)

Track 7 Brewing (Sacramento)

Big Sexy Brewing Company (Sacramento)

Sac City Brews (Sacramento)

Moska Brewery (Rocklin)

Out of Bounds Brewing Company (Rocklin)

Loomis Basin Brewing Company (Loomis)

The Monks Cellar (Roseville)

Red Bus Brewing Company (Folsom)

Mraz Brewing Company (El Dorado Hills)

There are plenty of other affected industries – from health and beauty to fashion and entertainment – that also need our support due to their mandated closures. Below are a few creative ways that you can help keep some of your favorite places in business.

Purchase Gift Cards: Purchasing gift cards is a great idea for businesses that you visit frequently. It gives businesses like salons, yoga studios, and local fashion boutiques some much-needed income to support employees and reassures them that they will still have loyal customers. If you have the means, consider purchasing gift cards like you would a chain letter. Send a $10 gift card to a local friend, and then ask them to do the same for another business. Paying it forward can make all the difference in keeping our community and economy thriving.
Purchase Products and Merchandise Online: Purchase your favorite shampoo and hair-styling products at your hair salon or workout gear at your local gym. You can even gift them to friends and family for special occasions or just because.
Post and Promote on Social Media: Social media plugs are a great way to show your support to your favorite spots and the payoff is almost instantaneous. Post generously and encourage family and friends to do the same!
Write a Positive Review: Have you been meaning to leave a glowing Yelp review? Now’s the time to do it! This is another great way to help direct new clients to the business and the best part is that it’s FREE.

KCRA 3 created an interactive list of Northern California small businesses ready to serve you. Click here to view!

#SHOPLOCAL

Your Thanksgiving Newsletter is Here…

November 20, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you might be wondering how you can celebrate safely this year amid the pandemic…Many of us will forgo our usual traditions and spend this holiday away from our extended family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box and create new traditions. This year is an opportunity to switch things up and show your family, friends, and community all of the ways that you’re thankful for them – even if it can’t be done in person. Below are a few creative ideas to help you celebrate Turkey Day, 2020-style.

This year, we are encouraged to celebrate Thanksgiving “al fresco”, as outdoor gatherings are deemed significantly safer than indoor ones. And with the forecast showing plenty of sunshine and a high of 63 degrees in the Sacramento area, it’s not totally out of the question. So grab some outdoor heaters, crank up that fire pit and throw on a sweater and warm attire for a memorable outdoor celebration. If you are celebrating with different households, create a potluck station where each household can take turns loading up on their favorite dishes. Check out some of the below essentials—from kitchenware to décor – for a successful outdoor gathering. You might find that you already have some of these items lying around the house…

If you are unable to celebrate with extended family and friends, consider organizing a virtual Thanksgiving experience with your loved ones. Not sure how to set up a Zoom call? Check out this helpful guide.

Recipe Swap: Participate in a Thanksgiving recipe swap, where you can share your favorite recipes, test them out and set up a Zoom call for a taste test challenge! You can easily exchange family recipes online using one of these existing Google Doc templates.

Game Night: Who loves game night? Host a virtual game night with these 10 kid-friendly games (Thanksgiving themed of course) that can be played easily from behind the screens. You can also make a game out of these Thanksgiving Trivia questions, where the winner receives an e-gift card or prize of your choice.

Macy’s Parade: For many of us, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together is a favorite tradition, and this year they are going virtual. So why not go virtual as well and watch along with your extended family and friends using Zoom or FaceTime? Find out how you can tune in here.

Zoom Dinner: Last but certainly not least, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones that are not able to attend using Zoom or Facetime. Set up a call using your phone or laptop and share your meal as you normally would, go around the table and say what you are thankful for, catch up with the family…the possibilities are endless!

This Thanksgiving, it’s especially important to help those in need as many have been affected by this pandemic, both health-wise and financially. Below are some ways that you can donate your time, money, and resources to charitable organizations, businesses, and community members.

Support Our Local Restaurants: Many of our local restaurants are especially hurting during this time. Consider ordering takeout this year at one of your favorite spots. Check out Sac Bee’s list of restaurants that are offering delicious Thanksgiving feasts. OpenTable® also has a growing list of its own—see what made the list here.

Help Out a Neighbor in Need: Volunteer to go grocery shopping for a neighbor or friend who may be at-risk or elderly.

Donate to a Food Bank or Shelter: Find a local food kitchen or shelter that may need your help this year. Donate your time or money to the Sacramento Food Bank here or a local shelter here.

Give Back to our Furry Friends: Our furry friends need love too! Volunteer, donate, or adopt a pet at a local shelter, including The Sacramento SPCA or the Front Street Animal Shelter.

Run to Feed the Hungry (Virtual Event): Participate in the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ first-ever, Virtual Run to Feed the Hungry event.

Meals on Wheels: Find a Meals on Wheels near you and sign up to volunteer. This widespread organization is committed to supporting our senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

How to Choose the Right Home for You and Your Dog

August 4, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

After 28 moves, our last six have been with dogs. For the most part, they are pretty flexible as long as they are close to the family. Three airplane trips were a little rough because it was tougher to get to outdoor,dog, restroom facilities. Right now, the dogs are two feet away and happy as usual.

Jaymi Naciri gives some updated data on home purchasers that are looking for the right environment for their dogs.

Data over the last several years shows that millennials are largely driven in their real estate purchase not necessarily by proximity to work or readiness for marriage and kids, but, instead, by their desire to provide a nice environment for their dogs.

Sometimes, people are awesome.

If you’re one of those people that are looking to move in order to create a welcoming home environment for your dog, or a dog you plan to bring in, here are a few things to look for.

A workable floorplan

Do you have an older dog? Getting up and down the stairs might not be so easy. Perhaps a ranch-style home is a better bet at this stage of your life.

A safe yard

When you’re looking at houses, you’re going to want to pay close attention to the outdoor space. Is there enough room for your pooch to run? Is the yard fenced? Is the fence in decent shape?

Other doggie friends

While you may not be keen to meet up with other humans and their pets during this time of social distancing, this too shall pass…right? And, when it does, you may want to make sure you’re positioned in an area that’s dog friendly.

Barking dogs

Then again, the neighbors’ dogs might be nightmares. Having mega-barkers around you is never fun, but it can be especially painful if that barking also gets your dog(s) going.

A park nearby

Even if you don’t have acres for your dog to explore, having a park nearby can be a great substitute.

The wildlife situation

Are you looking at areas where there are coyotes or other predators? You not only have to think about the danger factor but also what life will be like if you can’t put in as doggie door and have to leave your dog alone while you’re gone for large stretches of time.

Is it a busy street?

Dogs get out. It happens. Being in a high-traffic area could increase the possibility that your dog will be injured or worse by a car. Said Homes.com: “You may always have your dog on a leash, but what about those times they escape out the front door when you’re distracted or when a child or visitor or serviceman leaves the door open? Will they rush into a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy street?”

Nooks and crannies

If you do buy a two-story home, that unused space under the stairs would make a great dog hangout area!

Community rules

If you have or are considering a breed like a pit bull or German shepherd, you’ll want to make sure there are no restrictions in the communities you’re considering. Some condo and townhome communities may also have size restrictions, and they’re also may be limitations on how many pets you can have.

“Even if you own a piece of property, it’s not guaranteed that your pets will be welcome there,” said the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Depending on the number and the breed, there can be restrictions within a Homeowners Association (HOA), condo development, or even the city or state, at large.

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